Kohima: A compelling documentary chronicling Nagaland’s remarkable transition from a history marked by tribal conflict to a thriving hub of musical innovation is poised to captivate audiences at the UK Asian Film Festival in London next month.
Titled “Headhunting to Beatboxing,” this insightful film, brought to life by the creative vision of Oscar and Grammy award-winning maestro AR Rahman, is scheduled for a special screening at BFI Southbank on Saturday, May 3rd, at 2:30 in the afternoon.
Directed by Rohit Gupta, the documentary delves deep into the transformative power of music within this northeastern Indian state, a region that has undergone a profound evolution from its past as a volatile territory to its present vibrant cultural landscape. The film meticulously traces the development of rhythm and sound across generations in Nagaland, a land nestled in India’s remote northeastern frontier.
Reflecting on the film’s message, AR Rahman shared his perspective during its initial unveiling at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival in May of the preceding year, stating, “Music has this transformative power to change society and to connect and bring relevance to existence. This documentary is a celebration of this universal rhythm that unites humanity in its diverse expressions.”
Prior to its UK debut, “Headhunting to Beatboxing” garnered positive acclaim during its world premiere at the Melbourne Film Festival in August 2024, an event where Rahman was also honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award.
Abu Metha, the Adviser to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, who was present at both the Cannes unveiling and the Melbourne premiere, underscored the documentary’s crucial role in showcasing Nagaland’s rich cultural identity. He remarked, “The real heroes are the musicians of Nagaland, who tell stories that go back to times immemorial and their music exemplifies the ambition of our youth.”
This project represents Rahman’s second significant foray into film production, following his earlier work on “99 Songs.” The film’s executive producers include Abu Metha, Adam J. Greig, Theja Meru, Rohit Gupta, Sheila Houlahan, and Rohhit Daas.
Featuring the talents of Imliakum Aier, Jonathan Angami, and the band Purple Fusion, “Headhunting to Beatboxing” offers a window into Nagaland’s diverse tribal heritage while illuminating the pivotal role music has played in healing historical divisions and reshaping the region’s identity on the global stage.
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